2. 2
1. Understand the difference between system software
and application software.
2. Explain the different functions of an operating
system and discuss some ways that operating systems
can enhance processing efficiency.
3. List several ways in which operating systems differ
from one another.
4. Name today’s most widely used operating systems for
personal computers and servers.
3. 3
5. State several devices other than personal computers
and servers that require an operating system and list
one possible operating system for each type of device.
6. Discuss the role of utility programs and outline
several tasks these programs perform.
7. Describe what the operating systems of the future
might be like.
4. 4
This chapter covers:
Differences between system software and application
software
Functions of and differences among operating systems
Various types of operating systems
Functions of and various types of utility programs
A look at the possible future of operating systems
5. 5
System software: The operating system and utility
programs that control a computer system and allow
you to use your computer
Enables the boot process, launches applications,
transfers files, controls hardware configuration,
manages hard drive, and protects from unauthorized
use
Application software: Programs that allow a user to
perform specific tasks on a computer
Word processing, playing a game, preparing taxes,
browsing the Web, and so forth
6. 6
Operating system: A collection of programs that
manage and coordinate the activities taking place
within a computer system
Acts as an
intermediary
between the
user and the
computer
7. 7
Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI)
Booting the computer
Kernel is loaded into memory
Processes are started
msconfig used to control startup of processes
Configuring devices
Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if
needed
Plug and Play devices are recognized
automatically
8. 8
Managing resources and jobs
Makes resources available to devices
Monitors for problems
Scheduling routines
File management
Keeps track of files stored
on computer
Hierarchical format
Security
Passwords
Biometric characteristics
Firewalls
10. 10
Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to
have more than one program (task) open at one
time
CPU rotates between tasks
Switching is done quickly
Appears as though all programs executing at the same
time
Multithreading: The ability to rotate between
multiple threads so that processing is completed
faster and more efficiently
Thread: Sequence of instructions within a program that is
independent of other threads
11. 11
Multiprocessing and parallel processing: Multiple
processors (or multiple cores) are used in one
computer system to perform work more efficiently
Simultaneous processing: Performs tasks at the same
time
Multiprocessing: Each CPU (or core) typically works on
a different job
Used with personal computers with multi-core processors
Parallel processing: CPUs or cores typically works
together to complete one job more quickly
Used with servers and mainframes
13. 13
Memory management: Optimizing the use of main
memory (RAM)
Virtual memory: Memory-management technique that
uses hard drive space as additional RAM
14. 14
Buffering and spooling: Used with printers and other
peripheral devices
Buffer: area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold
input and output on their way in or out of the system
Spooling: placing items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by
the appropriate device when needed
15. 15
1. Which of the following processing techniques allows a
computer to work with more than one program at a
time?
a. Parallel processing
b. Virtual memory
c. Multitasking
2. True or False: Most operating systems today use a
command line interface.
3. _____________ is the task included with operating
systems that allows to you keep track of the files stored
on a PC.
Answers:
1) c; 2) False; 3) File management
16. 16
Command line vs. graphical user
interface (GUI)
Most operating systems use
GUI today
17. 17
Personal vs. server operating system
Personal operating system: designed to be installed on a
single computer
Server operating system: designed to be installed on a
network server
Client computers still use a personal operating system
Server operating system controls access to network resources
Many operating systems come in both versions
Mobile and embedded operating systems also exist
19. 19
Types of processors supported
Desktop, mobile, server, etc.
Number of processors
32-bit or 64-bit CPUs
Support for other technologies
New types of buses
Virtualization
Power-saving features
Touch and gesture input
20. 20
DOS: Disk Operating System
PC-DOS: Created originally for IBM microcomputers
MS-DOS: used with IBM-compatible computers
DOS traditionally used a command-line interface
Can enter DOS commands in Windows
21. 21
Windows: The predominate personal operating
system developed by Microsoft Corporation
Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x: Operating
environments for DOS
Windows 95 and Windows 98: Used a similar GUI to
the one used with Windows 3.x
Windows NT (New Technology): first 32-bit version
of Windows designed for high-end workstations and
servers
Windows Me (Millennium Edition): designed for
home computers, improved home networking and a
shared Internet connection
22. 22
Windows 2000: replaced Windows NT; was geared
towards high-end business workstations and servers,
support for wireless devices
Windows XP: Replaced both Windows 2000 and
Windows Me
Improved photo, video, and music editing and sharing
Improved networking capabilities
Support for handwriting and voice input
Large user base, MS will support until 2014
23. 23
Windows Vista: Replaced Windows XP
Features the Aero visual interface
Transparency and animations
Live Thumbnails
Additional features
Sidebar, Instant Search, etc.
The Vista Start menu is more streamlined
Improved networking and multimedia
Built-in security features
Hardware requirements for Vista have increased over
earlier versions of Windows
25. 25
Windows 7: Newest version of Windows released Oct.
2009
32-bit and 64-bit versions in four editions
Home Premium (primary version for home users)
Professional (primary version for businesses)
Starts up and responds faster than Vista
Will run well on netbooks, unlike Vista
Device Stage for all connected devices
Improved home networking (HomeGroup, etc.)
Jump lists, gadgets, etc.
27. 27
Windows Server: Server version of Windows
Windows Server 2008: Most recent version
Includes a variety of services
Web platform
Support for virtualization
New security tools
Streamlined management tools
Windows Home Server: New operating system based
on Windows Server
Provides services for a home network
Can back up all devices on the network automatically
28. 28
Mac OS: Proprietary operating system for
computers made by Apple Corporation
Based on the UNIX operating system; originally set
the standard for graphical user interfaces
Mac OS X Snow Leopard: Most recent personal
version
Includes:
Safari Web browser
New features like Time Machine, Stacks, Quick Look,
Boot Camp, etc.
More responsive than previous versions
30. 30
UNIX: Operating system developed in the late 1960s
for midrange servers
Multiuser, multitasking operating system
More expensive, requires a higher level of technical
knowledge; tends to be harder to install, maintain,
and upgrade
“UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX
operating system, now refers to a group of similar
operating systems based on UNIX
Single UNIX Specification: A standardized UNIX
environment
31. 31
Linux: Version (flavor) of UNIX available without
charge over the Internet
Increasingly being used with personal computers,
servers, mainframes, and supercomputers
Is open-source software: has been collaboratively
modified by volunteer programmers all over the world
Originally used a command line interface, most
recent versions use a GUI
Strong support from mainstream companies, such as
Sun, IBM, HP, and Novell
Much less expensive than Windows or Mac OS
33. 33
1. Which of the following is the most recent personal
version of Windows?
a. Windows 7
b. Windows Leopard
c. Windows XP
2. True or False: Linux is an open source operating
system available for free via the Internet.
3. The operating system most commonly used on
Apple personal computers is
______________________.
Answers:
1) a; 2) True; 3) Mac OS
34. 34
Windows Mobile: Designed for mobile phones
Look and feel of desktop versions
Current version 6.1, next version to be called
Microsoft Phone.
Windows Embedded: Designed for consumer and
industrial devices that are not perosonal computers
Cash register, GPS devices, ATMs, medical devices
and robots.
Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto for cars
Ford Sync
Android: Linux based OS developed by Open
Handset Alliance (including Google)
35. 35
“A Tour of the T-Mobile G1 Android Mobile Phone”
(click below to start video)
Reminder: The complete set of online videos and video podcasts are available at:
www.cengage.com/computerconcepts/np/uc13
Courtesy of Google Inc.
36. 36
iPhone OS: Designed for Apple Mobile phones and
mobile devices.
BlackBerry Operating System: Designed for
BlackBerry devices
Palm OS and Palm webOS: Designed for Palm devices
Symbian OS: Designed for use with smart phones
Embedded Linux: Used with mobile phones, GPS
devices, and other mobile devices
38. 38
Larger computers sometimes use operating systems
designed solely for that type of system
IBM’s z/OS and i/5OS operating systems are designed
for their servers and mainframes
Windows, UNIX, and Linux are also used with both
mainframes and supercomputers
Often a group of Linux computers are linked together
to form what is referred to as a Linux supercomputing
cluster
39. 39
Utility program: Software that performs a specific task,
usually related to managing or maintaining the
computer system
Many utilities are built into operating systems (for
finding files, viewing images, backing up files, etc.)
Utilities are also available as stand-alone products and
as suites
40. 40
File management programs: Enable the user to
perform file management tasks, such as:
Looking at the contents of a storage medium
Copying, moving, and renaming files and folders
Deleting files and folders
File management program in Windows is Windows
Explorer
43. 43
Search tools: Designed to search for files on the user’s
hard drive
Windows includes search tools
Diagnostic programs: Evaluate your system and make
recommendations for fixing any errors found
Disk management programs: Diagnose and repair
problems related to your hard drive
Uninstall utilities: Remove programs from your hard
drive without leaving bits and pieces behind
Important to properly uninstall programs, not just delete them
44. 44
Clean up utilities: Delete temporary files
File compression programs: Reduce the size of files so
they take up less storage space on a storage medium or
can be transmitted faster over the Internet
Both zip and unzip files
WinZip (Windows users) and Stuffit (Mac users)
45. 45
Backup and recovery utilities: Make the backup and
restoration process easier
Backup: Duplicate copy of data or other computer
content
Good backup procedures are critical for businesses
Individuals should back up important documents,
e-mail, photos, home video, etc.
Store backup data on a CD or DVD, second hard
drive, flash memory drive, or upload to the Internet
Back up your entire computer once all programs have
been installed, so your system can be restored to that
configuration.
47. 47
Security programs: Protect computers and users
Antivirus programs
Antispyware programs
Firewalls
Many are included in Windows and other operating
systems
Discussed in detail in Chapter 9
48. 48
Will continue to become more user-friendly
Will eventually be driven primarily by a voice interface
Likely to continue to become more stable and self-
healing
Will likely continue to include improved security
features and to support multiple processors and other
technological improvements
May be used primarily to access software available
through the Internet or other networks
49. 49
1. Which of the following is the type of utility program used
to make a file smaller for transfer over the Internet?
a. Uninstall program
b. Antivirus program
c. File compression program
2. True or False: A file management program can be used to
see the files located on a storage medium.
3. A(n) ______________________ is a duplicate copy of one
or more files that can be used if there is a problem with the
original files.
Answers:
1) c; 2) True; 3) backup
50. 50
System Software vs. Application Software
The Operating System
Operating Systems for Personal Computers and
Servers
Operating Systems for Mobile Phones and Other
Devices
Operating Systems for Larger Computers
Utility Programs
The Future of Operating Systems